His new album was the first thing he's been a part of that I don't really love.

If you listen to it expecting a Hold Steady album you'll be disapointed. If you give it room to be its own thing, I at least found it to be pretty great.

Same goes for his live show. If you show up expecting a stripped down version of a bunch of Hold Steady songs with some solo stuff thrown in you'll be disappointed (he didn't play any THS songs). But it was still an amazing experience if you let it be its own thing.

I enjoy the Clear Heart Full Eyes tracks that really deviate from THS, especially New Friend Jesus and Not Much Left. The ones that sound like THS lite are not as strong. I'm hoping THS can rock hard again now he's gotten this record off his chest. Same for Gaslight Anthem after Horrible Crowes.